What is the primary characteristic of solicitation under the law?

The primary characteristic of solicitation under the law is that it involves seeking out prostitution without any sexual activity actually occurring. This means that the act of solicitation itself is defined by the intention to engage in a sexual act for compensation, rather than the execution of that act.

In legal terms, solicitation is an offense where a person attempts to engage a prostitute or offers to pay someone for sexual services, regardless of whether that sexual activity takes place. The intent is critical here, as the mere act of seeking out or attempting to arrange for sexual services is sufficient for it to be categorized as solicitation.

Understanding this concept is important in the context of law enforcement and legal proceedings, as it defines a clear boundary between actions that are preparatory in nature versus those that are consummated. This distinction helps in enforcing the law against activities related to prostitution while recognizing that not all encounters involve illegal acts that have been completed.